Emily The Cow

Location Description

The monument is located on Abbey Road, on the east side of MA-27/Main St, just north of the intersection with MA-16/Washington St. It’s situated behind a statue of Gandhi and set back from the road.

Bio

In 1995, Emily the Cow jumped a gate and escaped from a Hopkinton, Massachusetts slaughterhouse. During her 40-day evasion, Emily received help from a group of townspeople who acted as an informal Underground Railroad. She eventually found permanent refuge at Sherborn’s Peace Abbey and became a charismatic mascot for a meat-free diet for humans. Despite not being able to speak, Emily’s big eyes and friendly personality inspired those who encountered her.

Monument Description

When Emily passed away in 2004, her owners asked artist Lado Goudjabidze to create a life-sized statue in her likeness, to be placed above her grave near statues of Mother Teresa and Gandhi. Emily was buried in April 2005, and the statue was dedicated shortly after on Earth Day.